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Closing Date:
Type of Position:
Management - Research
Workstudy Position:
No
Job Type:
Regular
No
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty.
For more than 140 years, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has worked to create an environment that inculcates learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students – a chance to advance.
The 15:1 student to teacher ratio makes it possible to maintain a learning environment with close interaction between students and faculty while challenging curricula encourage our students to seek and fulfill their potential.
You can excel in your chosen field of study through a curriculum of Certificate and Associates degree programs, more than thirty Undergraduate programs, Master’s degree programs and a Doctorate program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. You can also develop workplace readiness through internships, co-ops and fellowships in the U.S. and abroad.
Out-of-class experiences and student involvement include more than 90 student organizations, an internationally renowned Vesper Choir, Marching Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony, nationally recognized debate team, award-winning theater department and accomplished athletic program.
Though the main campus is in Pine Bluff, its reach is worldwide. UAPB has an extended campus in North Little Rock and offers as well as online courses. With the addition of the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON), students can engage in information exchange with others anywhere in the world. There are also Research and Extension offices in Lonoke, Newport and Lake Village and collaborations with other colleges and universities in the State through the National Science Foundation funded STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy.
As the second oldest land-grant institution in the state of Arkansas, the mission of this No Excuse University remains the same – to provide a high quality, affordable education with a personal touch. We invite you to Become a Part of the Pride at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 870.575.8400 .
Department:
Research and Sponsored Programs
Department's Website:
Summary of Job Duties:
Position Summary
The Director of Research and Sponsored Programs provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all pre-award and post-award research administration activities. This position supports faculty and investigators in securing external funding, ensures institutional compliance with sponsor and regulatory requirements, and advances the organization’s research mission through effective systems, policies, and partnerships.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to: Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Economic Development
Supervises: Research development staff, grants and contracts officers, compliance staff (as applicable)
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
• Provide vision and leadership for the research and sponsored programs enterprise.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase external funding and research productivity.
• Advise senior leadership on research trends, funding opportunities, and institutional readiness.
• Foster a culture of research integrity, collaboration, and excellence.
Pre-Award Administration
• Oversee identification, dissemination, and development of funding opportunities.
• Support faculty and staff in proposal development, budgeting, and submission.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant proposal review and approvals.
• Develop training and resources to strengthen grant competitiveness.
Post-Award Administration
• Oversee award negotiation, acceptance, and account setup.
• Ensure effective financial management, reporting, and closeout of sponsored awards.
• Monitor compliance with sponsor terms, institutional policies, and regulations.
• Resolve post-award issues in collaboration with finance, legal, and principal investigators.
Compliance and Risk Management
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and regulatory requirements (e.g., human subjects, animal care, conflict of interest, export controls).
• Maintain policies, procedures, and internal controls related to sponsored programs.
• Prepare for and respond to audits and sponsor reviews.
Faculty and Staff Support
• Serve as a trusted advisor to faculty, researchers, and administrators.
• Deliver training and professional development related to grants and research administration.
• Promote high-quality research support services.
Operations and Systems
• Oversee research administration systems and data reporting.
• Use metrics to assess performance, improve processes, and inform decision-making.
• Manage departmental budget and resources effectively.
External Relations
• Serve as institutional liaison with funding agencies, partners, and collaborators.
• Represent the institution in professional organizations and consortia.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree required; doctorate or terminal degree preferred.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in research or sponsored programs administration.
Demonstrated knowledge of pre-award and post-award processes and compliance requirements.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to manage complex projects and teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education or research-intensive environments.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or equivalent credential.
Experience with federal funding agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD).
Demonstrated success in increasing external funding.
Core Competencies
Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Relationship building and collaboration
Policy development and risk management
Attention to detail with a service-oriented mindset
Commitment to ethical research practices
Additional Information:
Salary Information:
Commensurate with education and experience
Required Documents to Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Curriculum Vitae, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)
Special Instructions to Applicants (Please upload all required documents in the "Resume" attachment section of your application to be considered for this position):
Recruitment Contact Information:
Sharron M. Williams
Employment Manager
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
1200 N. University Drive Mail Slot 4942
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
williamssm@uapb.edu
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Constant Physical Activity:
Frequent Physical Activity:
Occasional Physical Activity:
Benefits Eligible:
Yes